Network edge controller and remote field service system

ABSTRACT

The present invention is machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile platform that has a controller that can communicate with RFID tags and receives RFID information into a mobile vehicle foreign network with an all-in-one mobile solution and also communicates with a home network having a computer server. The present invention provides an integrated command and communication platform to support communications by cell phone, WiFi, GPS, RFID controller, vehicle information controller, and real-time integration to optimize performance of the remote tracking network. With the use of the present invention, fleet services, mobile inventory, and asset tracking can be efficiently organized and conducted across a fleet vehicles, a multitude of remote tracking devices, and geographically around the world.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.No. 62/529,894 filed on Jul. 7, 2017 and Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/641,627 filed on Mar. 12, 2018, and priority is claimed forthese earlier filings under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e). These Provisional patentapplications are also incorporated by reference into this utility patentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a network edge controller and mobilecommunication remote field service system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers and computer networks have transformed the society and thework environment since their introduction in mass to the businesscommunity and the consuming public. The impact we see today on the waybusiness is conducted and consumers interact with service providers andproduct retailers is rooted in the technological developments in therecent past.

Present-day Internet communications represent the synthesis of technicaldevelopments begun in the 1960s—the development of a system to supportcommunications between different United States military computernetworks, and the subsequent development of a system to support thecommunication between research computer networks at United Statesuniversities. These technological developments would subsequentlyrevolutionize the world of computing.

The Internet, like so many other high tech developments, grew fromresearch originally performed by the United States Department ofDefense. In the 1960s, Defense Department officials began to notice thatthe military was accumulating a large collection of computers—some ofwhich were connected to large open computer networks and others thatwere connected to smaller closed computer networks. A network is acollection of computers or computer-like devices communicating across acommon transmission medium. Computers on the Defense Department's opencomputer networks, however, could not communicate with the othermilitary computers on the closed systems.

In the 1960s, the Defense Department developed a communication systemthat would permit communication between these different computernetworks. Recognizing that a single, the Defense Department recognizedthat developing a centralized communication system would be vulnerableto attacks or sabotage, so the Defense Department required that theirnew communication system be decentralized with no critical servicesconcentrated in vulnerable failure points. In order to achieve thisgoal, the Defense Department established a decentralized communicationprotocol for communication between their computer networks.

A few years later, the National Science Foundation (NSF) established acommunication system that facilitated communication between incompatiblenetwork computers at various research institutions across the country.The NSF adopted the Defense Department's protocol for communication, andthis combination of research computer networks would eventually evolveinto the Internet.

The Defense Department's communication protocol governing datatransmission between different networks was called the Internet Protocol(IP) standard. The IP standard has been widely adopted for thetransmission of discrete information packets across network boundaries.In fact, the IP standard is the standard protocol governingcommunications between computers and networks on the Internet.

The IP standard identifies the types of services to be provided to usersand specifies the mechanisms needed to support these services. The IPstandard also specifies the upper and lower system interfaces, definesthe services to be provided on these interfaces, and outlines theexecution environment for services needed in the system.

A transmission protocol, called the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP),was developed to provide connection-oriented, end-to-end datatransmission between packet-switched computer networks. The combinationof TCP with IP (TCP/IP) forms a suite of protocols for informationpacket transmissions between computers on the Internet. The TCP/IPstandard has also become a standard protocol for use in all packetswitching networks that provide connectivity across network boundaries.

In a typical Internet-based communication scenario, data is transmittedfrom an originating communication device on a first network across atransmission medium to a destination communication device on a secondnetwork. After receipt at the second network, the packet is routedthrough the network to a destination communication device. Becausestandard protocols are used in Internet communications, the IP protocolon the destination communication device decodes the transmittedinformation into the original information transmitted by the originatingdevice.

A computer operating on a network is assigned a unique physical addressunder the TCP/IP protocols. This is called an IP address. The IP addresscan include: (1) a network ID and number identifying a network, (2) asub-network ID number identifying a substructure on the network, and (3)a host ID number identifying a particular computer on the sub-network. Aheader data field in the information packet will include source anddestination addresses. The IP addressing scheme imposes a consistentaddressing scheme that reflects the internal organization of the networkor sub-network.

A router, agent or gateway is used to regulate the transmission ofinformation packets into and out of the computer network. Routersinterpret the logical address contained in information packet headersand direct the information packets to the intended destination.Information packets addressed between computers on the same network donot pass through the router to the greater network, and as such, theseinformation packets will not clutter the transmission lines of thegreater network. If data is addressed to a computer outside the network,the router forwards the data onto the greater network.

Mobile communications and cellular telephony systems have becomesmaller, lighter, and more powerful, which improved the ability tocommunicate with individuals on an exponential basis. The Internetprotocols were originally developed with an assumption that Internetusers would be connected to a single, fixed network. With the advent ofcellular wireless communication systems, such as mobile communicationdevices, the movement of Internet users within a network and acrossnetwork boundaries has become common. Because of this highly mobileInternet usage, the implicit design assumption of the Internet protocols(e.g. a fixed user location) is violated by the mobility of the user.

The IP-based mobile system includes at least one Mobile Node in awireless communication system. The term “Mobile Node” includes a mobilecommunication unit, and, in addition to the Mobile Node, thecommunication system has a home network and a foreign network. TheMobile Node may change its point of attachment to the Internet throughthese other networks, but the Mobile Node will normally be associatedwith a single Mobile Node home network for IP addressing purposes. Thehome network has a Home Agent and the foreign network has a ForeignAgent—both of which control the routing of information packets into andout of their network.

The Mobile Node usually keeps the Home Agent informed of its currentlocation by registering a care-of address with the Home Agent, and acare-of address represents the current foreign network where the MobileNode is located. If the Home Agent receives an information packetaddressed to the Mobile Node while the Mobile Node is located on aforeign network, the Home Agent will “tunnel” the information packet tothe Mobile Node's current location on the foreign network via theapplicable care-of address. The Foreign Agent may also participate ininforming the Home Agent of the Mobile Node's current care-of address.The Foreign Agent can de-tunnel information packets for the mobile nodeafter the information packets have been forwarded to the Foreign Agentby the Home Agent. Further, the Foreign Agent serves as a default routerfor out-going information packets generated by the mobile node whileconnected to the foreign network.

In an IP-based mobile communication system, the mobile communicationdevice (e.g. cellular phone, pager, computer, etc.) can be called aMobile Node. Typically, a Mobile Node maintains connectivity to its homenetwork through a foreign network. The Mobile Node will always beassociated with its home network for IP addressing purposes and willhave information routed to it by routers located on the home and foreignnetworks. The routers can be referred to by a number of names includingHome Agent, Home Mobility Manager, Home Location Register, ForeignAgent, Serving Mobility Manager, Visited Location Register, and VisitingServing Entity. Mobile communication systems have used radio frequencyidentification tags and devices to track and monitor vehicles and otheritems, and these systems and methods allow for the communication betweena host computer and a plurality of RFID transponders (sometimes calledtags) through one or more interrogator units.

In an IP-based mobile communications system, the Mobile Node changes itspoint of attachment to the network while maintaining networkconnectivity. Most Mobile IP Protocols used today assume that mobile IPcommunications with a Mobile Node will be performed on a singleadministrative domain or a single network controlled by oneadministrator. When a Mobile Node travels outside its homeadministrative domain, however, the Mobile Node must communicate throughmultiple domains in order to maintain network connectivity with its homenetwork. While connected to a foreign network controlled by anotheradministrative domain, network servers must authenticate, authorize andcollect accounting information for services rendered to the Mobile Node.

Wireless communication systems could include multiband radioarchitectures, systems capable of spectrum re-farming and softwaredefined radio systems. Common system components in a wirelesscommunication system, such as an IP-based mobile system, include atleast one mobile node (or user equipment) and at least one access pointAP or a basestaion (eNodeB or eNB) on a wireless communication system.The various components on these systems may be called different namesdepending on the nomenclature used on any particular networkconfiguration or communication system.

For the purposes of this application, the term “mobile node” includes amobile communication unit that is called mobile terminal, “smartphones,” or nomadic devices such as laptop PCs with wirelessconnectivity. A “mobile node” or “user equipment” also encompasses PC'shaving cabled (e.g., telephone line (“twisted pair”), Ethernet cable,optical cable, and so on) connectivity to the wireless network, as wellas wireless connectivity directly to the cellular network, as can beexperienced by various makes and models of mobile terminals (“cellphones”) having various features and functionality, such as Internetaccess, e-mail, messaging services, and the like.

“Mobile nodes” may sometimes be referred to as user equipment, mobileunit, mobile terminal, mobile device, or similar names depending on thenomenclature adopted by particular system providers. A “receiver” and“transmitter” is located at each “access point” (AP), “basestation,” or“user equipment.” As such, terms such as transmitter or receiver in thepresent invention are not meant to be restrictively defined, but couldinclude components on each mobile communication unit or transmissiondevice located on the network.

Several patents and patent publications show traditional methods ofusing computer networks and mobile connectivity for fleet managementsand tracking assets, such as the following: (1) US Patent PublicationNo. 20170208426 published Jul. 20, 2017 to Komoni et al.; (2) US PatentPublication No. 2017/0031840 published Feb. 2, 2017 to Cawse; (3) USPublication No. 2016/0379165 published Dec. 29, 2016 to Moakley; (4) USPublication No. 2010/0228585 published Sep. 9, 2010 to Bradley; (5) U.S.Pat. No. 9,756,684, issued Sep. 5, 2017 to Tammisetti; (6) U.S. Pat. No.9,723,552, issued Aug. 1, 2017 to Farley; (7) U.S. Pat. No. 9,641,964issued May 2, 2017 to Kulkami et al.; (8) U.S. Pat. No. 9,635,518 issuedApr. 25, 2017 to Lee et al.; (9) U.S. Pat. No. 9,633,576 issued Apr. 25,2017 to Reed; (10) U.S. Pat. No. 9,591,441 issued Mar. 3, 2017 to Kuhl;(11) U.S. Pat. No. 9,519,921 issued Dec. 13, 2016 to Wei et al.; (12)U.S. Pat. No. 9,456,302 issued Sep. 27, 2016 to Skomra et al.; (13) U.S.Pat. No. 9,111,433 issued on Aug. 18, 2015 to Curatolo; (14) U.S. Pat.No. 9,082,102 issued on Jul. 14, 2015 to Taylor et al.; (15) U.S. Pat.No. 8,890,683 issued Nov. 18, 2014 to Schnitz et al.; (16) U.S. Pat. No.8,339,251 issued on Dec. 25, 2012 to Roberts Sr. et al.; (17) U.S. Pat.No. 8,239,251 issued Aug. 7, 2012 to Wellman; (18) U.S. Pat. No.8,223,009 issued Jul. 17, 2012 to Anderson et al.; (19) U.S. Pat. No.7,928,844 issued Apr. 19, 2011 to Mackenzie et al.; (20) U.S. Pat. No.7,895,131 issued Feb. 22, 2011 to Kraft; (21) U.S. Pat. No. 7,518,502issued Apr. 14, 2009 to Austin et al.; (22) U.S. Pat. No. 7,099,770issued Aug. 29, 2006 to Naden et al.; (23) U.S. Pat. No. 7,072,668issued Jul. 4, 2006 to Chow; (24) U.S. Pat. No. 6,977,612 issued Dec.20, 2005 to Bennett; (25) U.S. Pat. No. 6,687,609 issued Feb. 3, 2004 toHsiao et al.; (26) U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,227 issued Jun. 19, 2001 to Bradyet al.; and (27) U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,875 issued May 27, 1995 to Hersheyet al.

Prior art communication systems, including the above prior art methodsand systems (including known RFID communication systems and methods) arenot optimized to adequately operate in the mobile environment withefficiency. These systems, by and large, do not effectively andefficiently utilize the capabilities of the RFID systems to communicateand track assets. There is no present system that satisfactorilycorrelates and associates various features and capabilities of themobile communication system to provide fully integrated, feature rich,and built-in data and information sharing with a maximum number ofmultiple input-output ports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-10 are block diagrams showing controller system framework andfunctional components used with the present invention,

FIG. 11-14 show component block diagrams for several configurations ofthe present invention,

FIG. 14B shows a printed circuit board for the controller unit in thepresent invention; and,

FIG. 15 shows a communications network according to the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile platform thathas a controller that can communicate with RFID tags and receives RFIDinformation into a mobile vehicle foreign network with an all-in-onemobile solution and also communicates with a home network having acomputer server. The present invention provides an integrated commandand communication platform to support communications by cell phone,WiFi, GPS, RFID controller, vehicle information controller, andreal-time integration to optimize performance of the remote trackingnetwork. With the use of the present invention, fleet services, mobileinventory, and asset tracking can be efficiently organized and conductedacross a fleet vehicles, a multitude of remote tracking devices, andgeographically around the world.

The architecture of the present invention seamlessly supports changes inevolving communication standards, such as constantly evolving RFIDstandards and other innovations, and the system includes vehicle-mountedcomponents that are coupled a bulkhead wall of a vehicle or elsewherewhere there are connections to the vehicle power. The mobile vehiclenetwork can select one of multiple external access points andcommunication channels, such as a cellular system or the Internet, toperform data transfer to the host computer network, and a communicationprotocol (such as Bluetooth) may allow pairing to mobile devices (e.g.,tablet, etc.) for monitoring or control of the remote vehicle networkand the RFID tags coupled to that mobile vehicle network. In the presentinvention, the mobile vehicle network can also be place on a stationaryforeign network support platform.

With the invention, the RFID data transmitted to and through the mobilevehicle network has greater throughput and less interference compared totransmissions from RFID transponders to prior interrogator units, whichincreases the spatial area available for RFID coverage and permits alarger number of RFID transponders to be used on the system, amongvarious other advantages. The present invention is a system and methodthe supports improved the tracking of an increased number of RFIDtracking tags, which enhances the ability to manage resources andmonitor status of resources over a wider geographic area.

The present invention supports the use of telematics in network edgeRFID devices for fixed and mobile tracking (inventory, movable assets,people, and any other RFID tagable items) using LTE, WiFi SAT or anyother wireless communication protocols, and provides a mobileconnectivity platform for real-time tracking of remote assets andinventory, in mobile or field-based environments including onboardwireless synchronization between mobile inventory and asset tracking.The present invention also includes a communication network interfacesupporting communications between a vehicle/equipment, the cloud, andother system components, including interface with RFID tagged devicesover passive, active, Bluetooth, WiFi, near field, cellular andsatellite communication protocols.

The present invention supports field-based asset and inventoryaccounting network and services supporting location, telematics,sensors, asset and inventory data collection and processing, and thepresent invention supports the transmission of data into a proprietarycloud based Asset Management software, supporting asset and inventoryaccounting network and services supporting location, telematics, assetand inventory data collection and processing, including software used ontablet or smartphone including iOS®, Android®, Blackberry or WindowsPhone® mobile platforms.

The controller in the present invention is located in the mobile vehiclenetwork, and this controller provides an all-in-one integrated commandand communication platform, with the controller supporting connectivityto the home network through various communication platforms. The presentinvention includes an integrated support platform for communicationsbetween cell phone, WiFi, GPS, RFID controllers, NFC, BLE, Ethernet,vehicle information controller (OBD2/CANBUS), and smartpower management.Moreover, the present invention supports real-time integration of datato the enterprise application software located on the home network. Thepresent invention is easily accessible by customers so they can accessadvanced mobile Inventory and asset tracking solutions across a fleet oraround the world.

The following system components, steps and functionality individuallyare believed to be novel and enhance the operation of the communicationsystem over that of a generic computer system, including the components,steps and functionality relating to: (1) integrated GPS for assettracking and monitoring; (2) integrated 4G Data Phone for Data Exchange;(3) integrated RFID Reader that supports up to 16 external antennas; (4)integrated RFID reader capable of transmitting at up to 31.5 dbm; (5)integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi/Bluetooth transceiver; (6) integrated USBHost 2.0; (7) CAN interfaces for high speed and single wire systems; (8)external connect to NFC Reader; (9) integrated Ethernet connector; (10)integrated WiFi tag reader; (11) integrated NFC reader; (12) integratedBLE reader; (13) smartpower management to identify low battery power andtransition to sleep mode to avoid battery drain; (14) real-timeintegration to enterprise software and the Cloud; (15) ability to detectactive antennas and configure system to optimize reading each of thetechnologies (RFID, WiFi, NFC, BLE); (16) ability to detect the highestperformance and lowest cost transmission to connect to the cloudminimizing data transmission costs; (17) CPU Dual Core 800 MHzprocessor; and, (18) remote diagnostic and firmware update capabilities.The system components, steps and functionality described herein,individually and collectively, are believed to be novel and enhance theoperation of the communication system over the prior art technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention supports field-based asset and inventoryaccounting network and services supporting location, telematics,sensors, asset and inventory data collection and processing, and thepresent invention supports the transmission of data into a proprietarycloud based Asset Management software, supporting asset and inventoryaccounting network and services supporting location, telematics, assetand inventory data collection and processing, including software used ontablet or smartphone including iOS®, Android®, Blackberry or WindowsPhone® mobile platforms.

The present invention supports the use of telematics in network edgeRFID devices for fixed and mobile tracking (inventory, movable assets,people, and any other RFID tagable items) using LTE, WiFi SAT or anyother wireless communication protocols, and provides a mobileconnectivity platform for real-time tracking of remote assets andinventory, in mobile or field-based environments including onboardwireless synchronization between mobile inventory and asset tracking.The present invention also includes a communication network interfacesupporting communications between a vehicle/equipment, the cloud, andother system components, including interface with RFID tagged devicesover passive, active, Bluetooth, WiFi, near field, cellular andsatellite communication protocols.

The present invention is machine-to-machine (M2M) mobile platform thathas a controller that can communicate with RFID tags and receives RFIDinformation into a mobile vehicle foreign network with an all-in-onemobile solution and also communicates with a home network having acomputer server. The present invention provides an integrated commandand communication platform to support communications by cell phone,WiFi, GPS, RFID controller, vehicle information controller, andreal-time integration to optimize performance of the remote trackingnetwork. With the use of the present invention, fleet services, mobileinventory, and asset tracking can be efficiently organized and conductedacross a fleet vehicles, a multitude of remote tracking devices, andgeographically around the world.

With the invention, the RFID data transmitted to and through the mobilevehicle network has greater throughput and less interference compared totransmissions from RFID transponders to prior interrogator units, whichincreases the spatial area available for RFID coverage and permits alarger number of RFID transponders to be used on the system, amongvarious other advantages. The present invention is a system and methodthe supports improved the tracking of an increased number of RFIDtracking tags, which enhances the ability to manage resources andmonitor status of resources over a wider geographic area.

FIG. 1 shows the framework 100 of modules and engines supported by thecontroller in the present invention, which include the following: (1)data collection engine 101; (2) data communication engine 103; (3)smartpower engine 105; (4) RFID reader and multiplexer module; (5)geolocation and tracking engine; (6) CAN-BUS interface engine; (7)vehicle bus (OBD) engine; (8) device management engine 115; and (9)operations engine 117. Each of these framework 100 modules and engineswill be addressed in more detail in FIGS. 2-10, but generally, the (1)data collection engine 101 controls and supports the scanning operationsand collection of data by and through the controller unit; (2) datacommunication engine 103 controls and supports the communication anddata transmission operations by and through the controller unit; (3)smartpower engine 105 manages power consumption of the controller unit,identifies low battery power status, and transitions the controller unitto sleep mode to avoid battery drain; (4) RFID reader and multiplexermodule receives and manages the communications with multiple RFIDsignals using a multiplexed antenna configuration; (5) geolocation andtracking engine 109 controls and supports the geolocation, tracking, andstatus of the controller unit, RFID tags, and managed assets associatedwith RFID tags; (6) CAN-BUS interface engine supports two waycommunications between the controller unit and external devices; (7)vehicle bus (OBD) engine manages all interactions between the controllerunit and the vehicle; (8) controller device management engine 115supports and manages all operational support components associated withthe controller unit; and, (9) operations engine 117 supports and managesall component service engines and modules in the controller unitframework 100.

The controller unit is shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312);14 (1412) and 15(1510), and the controller unit processes and supportsthe controller unit framework 100 of modules and engines. Thearchitecture of the framework 100 in the present invention seamlesslysupports changes in evolving communication standards, such as constantlyevolving RFID standards and other innovations, and the system includesvehicle-mounted components that are coupled a bulkhead wall of a vehicleor elsewhere where there are connections to the vehicle power. Themobile vehicle network can select one of multiple external access pointsand communication channels, such as a cellular system or the Internet,to perform data transfer to the host computer network, and acommunication protocol (such as Bluetooth) may allow pairing to mobiledevices (e.g., tablet, etc.) for monitoring or control of the remotevehicle network and the RFID tags coupled to that mobile vehiclenetwork. In the present invention, the mobile vehicle network can alsobe place on a stationary foreign network support platform.

The controller unit framework 100 supports the following systemcomponents, steps and functionality, which are individually andcollectively believed to be novel and enhance the operation of thecommunication system over that of a generic computer system, includingthe components, steps and functionality relating to: (1) integrated GPSfor asset tracking and monitoring; (2) integrated 4G Data Phone for DataExchange; (3) integrated RFID Reader that supports up to 16 externalantennas; (4) integrated RFID reader capable of transmitting at up to31.5 dbm; (5) integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi/Bluetooth transceiver; (6)integrated USB Host 2.0; (7) CAN interfaces for high speed and singlewire systems; (8) external connect to NFC Reader; (9) integratedEthernet connector; (10) integrated WiFi tag reader; (11) integrated NFCreader; (12) integrated BLE reader; (13) smartpower management toidentify low battery power and transition to sleep mode to avoid batterydrain; (14) real-time integration to enterprise software and the Cloud;(15) ability to detect active antennas and configure system to optimizereading each of the technologies (RFID, WiFi, NFC, BLE); (16) ability todetect the highest performance and lowest cost transmission to connectto the cloud minimizing data transmission costs; (17) CPU Dual Core 800MHz processor; and, (18) remote diagnostic and firmware updatecapabilities.

The controller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14(1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention and its framework 100provides a robust set of services (engines) that enable advanced commandand communication capabilities that include cell, WiFi, NFC, BLE, RFID,GPS, Vehicle OBD, CAN-BUS. The controller unit also provides real-timeaccess to the asset management and inventory software system, which canbe a Cloud based and supported by the server computer on the homenetwork. The server (shown in FIGS. 11 (1106), 12 (1206), 13 (1306); 14(1406) and 15(1510)) in the present invention is on the home networkoperates enterprise asset management and tracking software, whichsupports the following: (1) Alerts (such as entry into a definedlocation, exit from a define location, alert when temperature is aboveor below a threshold, automated maintenance schedule based on sensor ordata event(s)), (2) Tracking (such as history of tracking for a tag(asset), last know location, counts of assets at location); and, (3)Device Management (tracking of activation through disposal, managementof software version and control of all upgrades from cloud, cellfirmware update, Ability to configure read frequency, read duration,transmission technology (cell, WiFi, Bluetooth, Satellite), transmissionfrequency); and, (4) Asset Management (including tracking of asset fromacquisition to disposal, maintenance notifications based on sensor data,maintain device assignment by asset, ability to configure asset as acontainer of assets for tracking purposes, maintain location history ofasset being tracked, and maintain custodial assignment of asset beingtracked).

The system components, steps and functionality described herein,individually and collectively, are believed to be novel and enhance theoperation of the communication system over the prior art technology. Thecontroller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14(1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention is located in the mobilevehicle network, and this controller unit provides an all-in-oneintegrated command and communication platform, with the controllersupporting connectivity to the home network through variouscommunication platforms. The present invention includes an integratedsupport platform for communications between cell phone, WiFi, GPS, RFIDcontrollers, NFC, BLE, Ethernet, vehicle information controller(OBD2/CANBUS), and smartpower management. Moreover, the presentinvention supports real-time integration of data to the enterpriseapplication software located on the home network. The present inventionis easily accessible by customers so they can access advanced mobileInventory and asset tracking solutions across a fleet or around theworld.

The controller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14(1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention is preferably supported bya CPU having a dual core 800 MHz processor (quad Core optional), memoryof PRAM 512 KB, a microSD card reader with 4 GB support minimum, USBHost 2.0, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n with Bluetooth, power supply 12V/24V. Thecontroller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14(1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention receives and processessensor data including speed, acceleration/impact, location, direction,door open/close, automotive status (fuel levels, maintenance needs),automotive sensors (vehicle proximity), optical (infra-red, flame,photodetector, visible light, etc.), thermal (Temperature), chemical(carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, smoke, etc.), environmental (rain, snow, soilmoisture, gas detector, dew, air pollution), and proximity (motion,proximity, touch, etc.). The hardware options for the controller unit(shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14 (1412) and 15(1510))in the present invention includes: CAN BUS, wired network (upstream ordownstream), wireless network (as a hotspot or client), USB, PoE,cellular, Bluetooth (BLE tags or other devices), NFC, camera(photo/video), environmental control hub, and Light/Display controls.The functionality operations supported by the controller unit includelow power mode, self-diagnosis of failures, health reports (of self oras a relay), network QoS and/or throttling, event driven tag reads (dooropen/close, vehicle stop/start, etc.), efficient data transmission(compressions, deltas only), and modular additional of features (e.g.one master controller, modular RF modules at a cheaper cost).

FIGS. 2-10 show the functionality of each module and engine in theframework 100. FIG. 2 shows the data collection engine 200 (101 in FIG.1), which controls and supports the scanning operations and collectionof data by and through the controller unit. The data collection enginemodule 207 manages all scanning operations and data collectionactivities for the device and is coupled to RFID 201, WiFi 203, NFC 205and BLE 209 protocol modules and engines. The data collection engine 200identifies all available tag options in the environment (RFID, WiFi,NFC, BLE), utilizes system preferences to schedule scanning operations,and initiates scanning operations and manage data collection from eachenvironment. On startup, data collection engine 200 identifies allavailable reader options and using administrative preferences schedulesoptimal data collection activities for the device, and it manages alldata collection and storage operations through successful transmissionthrough the cloud by the communications engine.

FIG. 3 shows the data communication engine 300 (103 in FIG. 1), whichcontrols and supports the communication and data transmission operationsby and through the controller unit. The data communication engine 300identifies all available communication option, preferred network basedon performance and cost parameters, and establishes and utilizes theoptimized communicationchoice. The data communication engine module 303manages all communication and data transmission operations for thedevice and supports and is coupled to the Ethernet 301, cellular 4G 305,cellular CDMA/GSM 307, and WiFi 309 modules and engines. On startup, thedata communication engine 300 identifies all available communicationoptions; and, using administrative preferences and optimizationalgorithms, manages data communication activities for the device. Thedata communication engine 300 manages the following communicationoptions Cell 4G, Cell CDMA/GSM, Ethernet, WiFi with the WiFi also beingconfigured to be a hotspot for other mobile devices in the proximity.

FIG. 4 shows the smartpower engine 400 (105 in FIG. 1), which managespower consumption of the controller unit, identifies low battery powerstatus, and transitions the controller unit to sleep mode to avoidbattery drain. The smartpower engine module 402 monitors inbound powerlevel using the monitor module 405 connected thereto, coordinates a safeshut-down if power drops below setlevel, and insures the controller unitoperates in a safe power level. On startup, the smartpower engine 400identifies the current status of the device and based on power strengthand administrative preferences manages power awareness for thecontroller's operations engine (117 in FIG. 1). Should a drop in poweroccur, the smartpower engine 400 initiates the safe shut-down of thedevice and ensures that all data is either transmitted or secured fortransmission once an acceptable power status is obtained.

FIG. 5 shows the geolocation and tracking engine 500 (109 in FIG. 1),which controls and supports the geolocation, tracking, and status of thecontroller unit, RFID tags, and managed assets associated with RFIDtags. The geolocation and tracking engine module 504 is coupled to theBluetooth module 502, the GPS module 508, and the IP Based module 506,and the geolocation and tracking engine 500 manages all locatingactivities for the device by and through these modules, establishes GPSconnection and manages operational status, and provides GPS informationneeded to support controller functions.

On startup, the geolocation and tracking engine 500 identifies thelocating options available on the device and initiates utilization ofthe module that will provides the highest locating fidelity for theenvironment (GPS for outside (or inside with appropriate hardware), andBluetooth and IP based locating for non-GPS areas that are equipped withBluetooth or IP based communication options). The geolocation andtracking engine 500 manages all location based data for use by the datacollection engine (101 in FIG. 1), and supports all related boundaryalerts that are sent back to the server on the home network.

FIG. 6 shows the operations engine 600 (117 in FIG. 1), which supportsand manages all component service engines and modules in the controllerunit framework 100. The operations engine 600 controls and coordinatecontroller unit coupled components and manages all component serviceengines within the controller unit framework 100. The operations enginemodule 610 is coupled to the other modules in the controller unitframework, including the RFID Reader module 602, data collection engine618, data communication engine 616, smartpower engine 614, geolocationand tracking engine 612, device management engine 608, vehicle busengine 606, and the CAN interface engine 604. At startup, the operationsengine 600 assesses the status of all sub-component engines and usingadministrative operational preferences initiates the resumption or startof data collection and transmission activities for the controller unit.The operations engine 600 manages and ensures all sub-component enginesare operational and function at expected performance levels.

FIG. 7 shows the RFID reader and multiplexer module 700 (107 in FIG. 1),which receives and manages the communications with multiple RFID signalsusing a multiplexed antenna configuration. The RFID reader andmultiplexor module 712 is coupled to the RFID module and multiplexor710, which is coupled to switch 1 702, switch 2, 704, switch 3 706, andswitch 4 708 where each switch maintains and supports transmission andcommunications to four antenna, each of which receives data fromdifferent RFID tags in the read vicinity. The RFID reader andmultiplexer module 700 manages all RFID scanning operations and datacollection activities for the controller unit and it uses administrativepreferences to schedule optimal data collection activities for up to 16antennas on the device. The RFID reader and multiplexer module 700manages all data and storage functions in a manner that optimizes thestorage and transmission functions of the device, and it collects RSSI(signal strength) used to resolve any multi-reader scanning of RFID tagsin the read vicinity. Specifically, the RFID reader and multiplexermodule 700 establishes and manages connection to RFID Reader Module,administrates and configures antenna(s) for operational use, managesdata interrogation and collection activities, and manages datapreparation and conditioning activities.

FIG. 8 shows the CAN-BUS interface engine 800 (111 in FIG. 1), whichsupports two-way communications between the controller unit and externaldevices, manages all CAN-BUS interface activities for the device,administrates and configures CAN Interface(s) operational use, managesdata interrogation and response activities, manages data preparation andconditioning activities, administrates and configures CAN Interface(s)operational use, manages data interrogation and response activities,manages data preparation and conditioning activities. As shown in FIG.8, the CAN-BUS interface engine module 808 is coupled to switch/sensor802, 804 and 806. Based on configuration and administrative preferencesand working in conjunction with the other engines in the controllerunit, the CAN-BUS interface engine 800 can support a large range ofexternal devices such as sensors, lights, audio, video, and temperature.The CAN-BUS interface engine 800 can provide two way interaction withthese external devices which allows collection as well as managementof/from/to these devices.

FIG. 9 shows the vehicle bus (OBD) engine 900 (113 in FIG. 1), whichmanages all interactions between the controller unit and the vehicle,establishes OBD connection and manages operational status, providespower (optional) and OBD information available from the vehicleinformation bus. The vehicle bus (OBD) engine module 904 is coupled tothe vehicle bus (OBD) 906, and the vehicle bus (OBD) engine 900 managesall interaction with the vehicle On-board diagnostics (OBD) using theOBD II interface. The vehicle bus (OBD) engine 900 receives all relatedvehicle information (e.g., speed, direction, alerts, idle time, etc.);and, based on administrative preferences and rules, the vehicle bus(OBD) engine 900 collects and submits appropriate vehicle based data tobe transmitted to the home network. The vehicle bus (OBD) engine 900also supports the transmission of data to the smartpower engine (105 inFIG. 1) in addition to be a power source for the controller unit.

FIG. 10 shows the controller device management engine 1000 (115 in FIG.1), which supports and manages all operational support componentsassociated with the controller unit, manages administrative andoperational components of the controller unit, manages memory andstorage activities, and manages administrative functions (e.g., firmwareupdates, configurations, etc.). The controller device management enginemodule 1004 is coupled to the USB administration connection 1006, theLEDs 1008, power monitor 1010, memory and data storage 1012, and thecontroller device management engine 1000 manages all operational supportcomponents associated with the controller unit. Devices such as on-boardbattery and power monitor, LED(s), memory and data storage, USBconnections as well as optional devices are managed by this engine, andthe controller device management engine 1000 ensures operationalperformance of the device and manages all administrative preferences andrelated functions.

The controller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14(1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention may be vehicle-mounted onengine compartment bulkhead or beneath the vehicle dashboard withconnection to power from either a power management module connectingdirect to the vehicle or through the OBD2 connector. The controller unit(shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12 (1212), 13 (1312); 14 (1412) and 15(1510))in the present invention will, based on customer settings, select anexternal access point through the integrated 802.11 b/g/n WiFi or overthe cellular system via Internet to effectively manage the cost of datatransfer. A Bluetooth connection may also be made available for pairingto mobile devices (e.g., tablet, etc.) for monitoring or controlling thecontroller unit. The controller unit (shown in FIGS. 11 (1110), 12(1212), 13 (1312); 14 (1412) and 15(1510)) in the present invention ishoused in an extruded aluminum box to ensure durability for the devicein a real world work environment, and the controller unit is coupled tothe power source of the vehicle and additional antennas are placed inthe vehicle to receive RFID tag signals. The placement of the controllerunit physical components can be seen in FIG. 14B, where board 1450 has aboard substrate 1478, pin-out communication pins 1490, pins 1485, pins1475; and controller chip 1480.

FIGS. 11-14 show a block diagram of the communication system, whichincludes the computer server, laptops, controller unit, and antennas. InFIG. 11 for system configuration 1100, the antennas 1104 and 1112 arecoupled to the controller unit 1110, which is coupled to a pad/laptopcomputer 1108. The controller unit 1110 and pad/laptop computer 1108 arecoupled to power supply 1102, and the pad/laptop interfaces with thecomputer server 1106. In FIG. 12 for system configuration 1200, theantennas 1204 and 1214 are coupled to the controller unit 1212, which iscoupled to MiFi communication hub 1210. The MiFi communication hub 1210and controller unit 1212 are coupled to power supply 1202, and the MiFicommunication hub 1210 is coupled to the pad/laptop 1208 and separatelyto the computer server 1206.

In FIG. 13 for system configuration 1300, the antennas 1304 and 1314 arecoupled to the controller unit 1312, which is coupled to a servercomputer 1311 that is separately coupled to a MiFi communication hub1310. The MiFi communication hub 1310, a first computer server 1311 andcontroller unit 1312 are coupled to power supply 1302, and the MiFicommunication hub 1310 is coupled to the pad/laptop 1308 and separatelyto the home network second computer server 1306. In FIG. 14 for systemconfiguration 1400, the antennas 1404 and 1414 are coupled to thecontroller unit 1412. The controller unit 1412 is coupled to powersupply 1402, and the controller unit 1412 is coupled to the pad/laptop1408 and separately to the computer server 1406.

The present invention is shown by the block diagram in FIG. 15, and is acommunication system supporting the processing communications between ahome network 1501 and one or more mobile foreign networks 1552, wherethe home network 1501 has a home agent 1505 coupled to a computerserver(h) 1503 by line 1504. The computer server(h) 1503 is coupled to adatabase memory 1625. While only one database 1625 is shown, thisrepresentation is understood to include one or more separate databasesand storage locations of data and information. A communications link orline is any connection between two or more nodes on a network or userson networks or administrative domains, including serial lines, parallellines and bus lines for electronic signal transmission.

The database 1625 may maintain information related asset management andtracking, and the home network server computer(h) 1503 processesinstructions and data to operate the enterprise asset management andtracking software for the system. The invention contemplates centrallylocated computer servers to operate the software modules and databaseinformation on the network, but remotely located servers and computernetworks can also be accessed and used with the invention.

The home agent 1505 on the home network 1501 is coupled to a gateway1507 by line 1504, and the gateway 1507 facilitates communicates to andfrom the home network 1501. The gateway 1507 is coupled to a basestationtransceiver BTSh 1655 via line 1656, which is coupled to a radiotransmission unit and antenna 1665 via line 1667. That radiotransmission unit and antenna 1665 facilitates communications to otherradio transmission units 1670. The transmission unit 1665 supports radiotransmission communications links (e.g. Wi-Fi, cellular, GSM, Evdo,4G/LTE, CDMA, or others), to other networks and communication units.

The gateway 1507 is also coupled via line 1610 to hardwire communicationline 1615, computer server(c) 1620 via line 1617, and the Internet 1630via line 1635. The home network processes communications to and fromsaid mobile foreign network, and information related to the externaldevices and radio tags (e.g. location, proximity, status) can beincluded in communications to the home network. The home network cancommunicate via wireless transmission or a wired communication link tothe mobile node, the Internet, other computer servers or other foreignor associated home networks.

As also shown in FIG. 15, radio transmission RFID tags 1575, 1570 and1560 are electronically coupled to RFID readers 1540, 1550 and 1555,respectively. RFID readers 1540, 1550 and 1555 are coupled to thecontroller unit CU 1510 via line 1535, which is coupled to computerserver(f) 1530 via line 1523, pad/laptop 1520 via line 1524, and foreignnetwork gateway 1515 via line 1517.

The controller unit CU 1510, computer server(f) 1530, pad/laptop 1520,and foreign network gateway 1515 are coupled to the Internet 1630 vialines 1625 and 1521, lines 1625 and 1522, lines 1625 and 1519, and lines1625 and 1521 respectively. The controller unit CU 1510, computerserver(f) 1530, pad/laptop 1520, and foreign network gateway 1515 arecoupled to the computer server(c) 1620 via lines 1621 and 1521, lines1621 and 1522, lines 1621 and 1519, and lines 1621 and 1521respectively. The controller unit CU 1510, computer server(f) 1530,pad/laptop 1520, and foreign network gateway 1515 are coupled to thehome network 1501 by a hardwire communication link via lines 1610, 1615,and 1521; lines 1610, 1615, and 1522; lines 1610, 1615, and 1519; andlines 1610, 1615, and 1521, respectively. And, controller unit CU 1510,computer server(f) 1530, pad/laptop 1520, and foreign network gateway1515 are coupled to the basestation transceiver unit (coupled totransmission unit and antenna 1670) via lines 1685 and 1521, lines 1685and 1522, lines 1685 and 1519, and lines 1685 and 1521 respectively.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are intendedto be examples only. Those of skill in the art may effect alterations,modifications and variations to the particular embodiments withoutdeparting from the scope of the application. In the foregoingdescription, numerous details are set forth to provide an understandingof the present invention. However, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced withoutthese details. While the invention has been disclosed with respect to alimited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciatenumerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that theappended claims cover such modifications and variations as fall withinthe true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system supporting the processingof communications regarding the tracking, location and status of fieldassets, comprising: a first computer server on the home network, saidfirst computer server having processors with functionality to receiveand process tracking, location and status information signals relatingto field assets, said first computer server coupled to a first databasefor storing and maintaining information relating to said field assetsand said first computer server being coupled to a home agent and a firstgateway server for communication outside the home network; a secondcomputer server on a foreign network, said second computer server beingcoupled to a controller unit, said controller unit being coupled to asecond gateway server for communication outside the foreign network andsaid controller unit being coupled to one or more antennas that receiveradio transmitted signals from RFID tags, each of said RFID tags beingassociated with a field asset and said controller unit using said radiotransmitted signals received by the antennas to produce tracking,location and status information signals that are communicated to thefirst computer server on the home network, said controller unit havingthe functional capabilities that include a data collection engine thatcontrols and supports the scanning operations and collection of data byand through the controller unit, a data communication engine thatcontrols and supports the communication and data transmission operationsby and through the controller unit; a smartpower engine that managespower consumption of the controller unit, identifies low battery powerstatus, and transitions the controller unit to sleep mode to avoidbattery drain, an RFID reader and multiplexer module that receives andmanages the communications with multiple RFID signals using amultiplexed antenna configuration, a geolocation and tracking enginethat controls and supports the geolocation, tracking, and status of thecontroller unit, RFID tags, and field assets associated with RFID tags,a CAN-BUS interface engine that supports two way communications betweenthe controller unit and external devices, a vehicle bus (OBD) enginemanages all interactions between the controller unit and the vehicle; acontroller device management engine that supports and manages alloperational support components associated with the controller unit; and,an operations engine that supports and manages all component serviceengines and modules in the controller unit.
 2. The communication systemaccording to claim 1 further comprising: a communication link betweenthe home and foreign network supported over the Internet.
 3. Thecommunication system according to claim 1 further comprising: acommunication link between the home and foreign network supported over aradio communication systems.
 4. The communication system according toclaim 1 further comprising: a communication link between the home andforeign network supported over a computer network.
 5. The communicationsystem according to claim 1 further comprising: a computer pad locatedon the foreign network and coupled to the controller unit, said computerpad controlling the controller unit and other equipment coupled to theforeign network.
 6. The communication system according to claim 1further wherein said foreign network is a mobile foreign network that ismobile relative to the location of the home network.
 7. Thecommunication system according to claim 1 further comprising: one ormore data entry terminals located on said home network for access to thefirst computer server, home agent or database memory storage unit on thehome network.
 8. The communication system according to claim 1 furthercomprising: one or more data entry terminals located on said foreignnetwork for access to the second computer server or controller unit onthe foreign network.
 9. The communication system according to claim 1further comprising: a transceiver coupled to said home network throughsaid first gateway providing a communications interface forcommunications to and from the home network.
 10. The communicationsystem according to claim 1 further comprising: a transceiver coupled tosaid foreign network through said second gateway providing acommunications interface for communications to and from the foreignnetwork.
 11. A communication system supporting the processing ofcommunications regarding the tracking, location and status of fieldassets, comprising: a first computer server on the home network, saidfirst computer server having processors with functionality to receiveand process tracking, location and status information signals relatingto field assets, said first computer server coupled to a first databasefor storing and maintaining information relating to said field assetsand said first computer server being coupled to a home agent and a firstgateway server for communication outside the home network; a secondcomputer server on a foreign network, said second computer server beingcoupled to a controller unit, said controller unit being coupled to asecond gateway server for communication outside the foreign network andsaid controller unit being coupled to one or more antennas that receiveradio transmitted signals from RFID tags, each of said RFID tags beingassociated with a field asset and said controller unit using said radiotransmitted signals received by the antennas to produce tracking,location and status information signals that are communicated to thefirst computer server on the home network, said controller unit havingthe functional capabilities that include a data collection engine thatcontrols and supports the scanning operations and collection of data byand through the controller unit, a data communication engine thatcontrols and supports the communication and data transmission operationsby and through the controller unit; an RFID reader and multiplexermodule that receives and manages the communications with multiple RFIDsignals using a multiplexed antenna configuration, and a geolocation andtracking engine that controls and supports the geolocation, tracking,and status of the controller unit, RFID tags, and field assetsassociated with RFID tags.
 12. The communication system according toclaim 11 further comprising: said controller unit having a smartpowerengine that manages power consumption of the controller unit, identifieslow battery power status, and transitions the controller unit to sleepmode to avoid battery drain; a vehicle bus (OBD) engine manages allinteractions between the controller unit and the vehicle; a controllerdevice management engine that supports and manages all operationalsupport components associated with the controller unit; and, anoperations engine that supports and manages all component serviceengines and modules in the controller unit.
 13. The communication systemaccording to claim 11 further comprising: a CAN-BUS interface enginethat supports two way communications between the controller unit andexternal devices, said two way communications being capable of remotelycontrolling and monitoring operations of a remotely located asset orlocation.
 14. The communication system according to claim 11 furthercomprising: a communication link between the home and foreign networksupported over the Internet.
 15. The communication system according toclaim 11 further comprising: a communication link between the home andforeign network supported over a radio communication systems.
 16. Thecommunication system according to claim 11 further comprising: acommunication link between the home and foreign network supported over acomputer network.
 17. The communication system according to claim 11further comprising: a computer pad located on the foreign network andcoupled to the controller unit, said computer pad controlling thecontroller unit and other equipment coupled to the foreign network. 18.The communication system according to claim 11 further wherein saidforeign network is a mobile foreign network that is mobile relative tothe location of the home network.
 19. The communication system accordingto claim 11 further comprising: one or more data entry terminals locatedon said home network for access to the first computer server, home agentor database memory storage unit on the home network.
 20. Thecommunication system according to claim 11 further comprising: one ormore data entry terminals located on said foreign network for access tothe second computer server or controller unit on the foreign network.21. The communication system according to claim 11 further comprising: atransceiver coupled to said home network through said first gatewayproviding a communications interface for communications to and from thehome network.
 22. The communication system according to claim 11 furthercomprising: a transceiver coupled to said foreign network through saidsecond gateway providing a communications interface for communicationsto and from the foreign network.
 23. A method of transmittingcommunications regarding the tracking, location and status of fieldassets, comprising the steps of: providing a first computer server onthe home network, said first computer server coupled to a first databaseand a first gateway, said first computer server having processors;supporting communications to and from the home network using said firstgateway server; providing a second computer server on a foreign network,said second computer server being coupled to a controller unit and asecond gateway server, said second gateway server being used to supportcommunication outside the foreign network; coupling one or more antennasto said controller unit, said one or more antennas being capable ofreceiving radio transmitted signals from RFID tags; receiving radiotransmitted signals from RFID tags at said one or more antennas, each ofsaid RFID tags being associated with a field asset, said radiotransmitted signals being communicated to said controller unit;producing tracking, location and status information signals at thecontroller unit using said radio transmitted signals received from theantennas; communicating said tracking, location and status informationsignals from said controller unit to the first computer server on thehome network, receiving and processing tracking, location and statusinformation signals relating to field assets using said processors atsaid first computer server, and, storing and maintaining informationrelating to said field assets on said first database.
 24. The method oftransmitting communications regarding the tracking, location and statusof field assets in claim 23, wherein said controller unit possessesfunctional capabilities that include a data collection engine thatcontrols and supports the scanning operations and collection of data byand through the controller unit, a data communication engine thatcontrols and supports the communication and data transmission operationsby and through the controller unit; an RFID reader and multiplexermodule that receives and manages the communications with multiple RFIDsignals using a multiplexed antenna configuration, and a geolocation andtracking engine that controls and supports the geolocation, tracking,and status of the controller unit, RFID tags, and field assetsassociated with RFID tags.
 25. The method of transmitting communicationsregarding the tracking, location and status of field assets in claim 23,wherein said home network has a home agent.
 26. The method oftransmitting communications regarding the tracking, location and statusof field assets in claim 23, wherein said controller unit possessesfunctional capabilities that include a smartpower engine that managespower consumption of the controller unit, identifies low battery powerstatus, and transitions the controller unit to sleep mode to avoidbattery drain; a vehicle bus (OBD) engine manages all interactionsbetween the controller unit and the vehicle; a controller devicemanagement engine that supports and manages all operational supportcomponents associated with the controller unit; and, an operationsengine that supports and manages all component service engines andmodules in the controller unit.
 27. The method of transmittingcommunications regarding the tracking, location and status of fieldassets in claim 23, wherein said controller unit has a CAN-BUS interfaceengine that supports two way communications between the controller unitand external devices, said two way communications being capable ofremotely controlling and monitoring operations of a remotely locatedasset or location.
 28. The method of transmitting communicationsregarding the tracking, location and status of field assets in claim 23,further comprising the step of: communicating between the home andforeign network over the Internet.
 29. The method of transmittingcommunications regarding the tracking, location and status of fieldassets in claim 23, further comprising the step of: communicatingbetween the home and foreign network over a radio communication systems.30. The method of transmitting communications regarding the tracking,location and status of field assets in claim 23, further comprising thestep of: communicating between the home and foreign network over acomputer network.
 31. The method of transmitting communicationsregarding the tracking, location and status of field assets in claim 23,wherein said controller unit is coupled to a computer pad located on theforeign network, said computer pad controlling the controller unit andother equipment coupled to the foreign network.
 32. The method oftransmitting communications regarding the tracking, location and statusof field assets in claim 23, wherein said foreign network is a mobileforeign network that is mobile relative to the location of the homenetwork.
 33. The method of transmitting communications regarding thetracking, location and status of field assets in claim 23, wherein firstcomputer server is coupled to one or more data entry terminals locatedon said home network for access to the first computer server, home agentor database memory storage unit on the home network.
 34. The method oftransmitting communications regarding the tracking, location and statusof field assets in claim 23, wherein second computer server is coupledto one or more data entry terminals located on said foreign network foraccess to the second computer server or controller unit.
 35. The methodof transmitting communications regarding the tracking, location andstatus of field assets in claim 23, wherein said home network is coupledto a transceiver through said first gateway providing a communicationsinterface for communications to and from the home network.
 36. Themethod of transmitting communications regarding the tracking, locationand status of field assets in claim 23, wherein said foreign network iscoupled to a transceiver through said second gateway providing acommunications interface for communications to and from the foreignnetwork.